Apparatus and method of preparing a body for burial

ABSTRACT

A steamatory is used to prepare a body for burial. A chamber has a door for accepting the body. A tray is partially removable from the chamber through the door. A plurality of steam ports are connected to an interior surface of the chamber. A steam generator provides steam to the plurality of steam ports within the chamber. The steam injected into the chamber causes tissue of the body to separate from bone structure. The tray is made with a wire mesh having openings through which the tissue of body falls after separation from the bone structure. A funnel connected to a lower portion of the chamber channels the tissue after falling through the wire mesh of the tray to a container. The steam injected into the chamber maintains moisture content of the bone structure.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to preparation of a body for burial and more particularly, to an apparatus and method of preparing a deceased body for burial by separating the flesh from the bone structure through the application of steam.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many cultures have specific beliefs, formalities, and rituals associated with preparing a deceased body for burial or other final arrangements. Some cultures believe in embalming the body, placing the embalmed body into a sealed casket, and then burying the casket. Other cultures believe in cremation where the body is reduced to ashes and then placed in an urn or scattered in a natural setting.

Some cultures place special emphasis on certain parts of the body. The Hawaiian culture believes that, with respect to human remains, the iwi (bones) contain mana (spiritual energy) and must be prepared with the proper respect and dignity. Native Hawaiians have strong family values, responsibilities, and obligations. The family of the deceased has the kuleana (duty and responsibility) to take care of the person who has died and passed on to the next level. Depending on the position and occupation of the deceased in society, the bones are handled in different manners. In some cases, the body is buried wholly with the bones and flesh intact. In other cases, especially for those in a higher level of society, the flesh is removed from the bones and the bones are placed or buried in a huna (secret location). In earlier times, the body was arranged in a fetal or flexed position. At other times, the body was arranged in a fully extended position. If the deceased had been a fisherman, some families would utilize the femur bone to make fishhooks and perpetuate the mana of the fisherman to continue to provide food for the next generation. In any case, through respect and dignity for the dead, the bones must not be disturbed once placed to rest or come outside the control of the family. To disturb the bones would constitute desecration of the ancestral remains and disturbance to the living family.

For those cases where the flesh is to be removed from the bone prior to burial, the deceased is placed in an imu (underground oven). The oven is often a pit dug in the ground and lined with wood and stones. Before the body is placed in the oven, the wood is burned to heat the stones. A bed or layer of leaves is placed over the hot stones and the body is laid upon the bed of leaves. The body is covered with another layer of leaves to keep it clean. The body is cooked by the heated stones which softens the flesh over a period of time. After a day or so, the flesh is sufficiently soft that it can be removed or striped from the body by hand leaving the skeletal remains. By using this steaming process, the moisture and mana stays in the bones. It is then the prerogative of the family as to how to care for the iwi (bones) once the flesh was removed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention is a steamatory for preparing a body for burial comprising a chamber having an access panel. A tray is provided that is at least partially removable from the chamber through the access panel. A plurality of steam ports are disposed within the chamber. A steam generator provides steam to the plurality of steam ports within the chamber. The steam is injected into the chamber causes tissue of the body to separate from bone structure.

In another embodiment, the present invention is an apparatus for preparing a body for burial comprising a vessel adapted for accepting the body. A support structure is disposed within the vessel for supporting the body. A plurality of steam ports are disposed within the vessel. Steam is injected into the vessel causes tissue of the body to separate from bone structure.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention is a method of preparing a body for burial comprising the steps of providing a vessel adapted for accepting the body, placing the body on a support structure disposed within the vessel, and injecting steam through a plurality of steam ports disposed within the vessel to cause tissue of the body to separate from bone structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a steamatory for preparing a body for burial by separating the tissue from the bones; and

FIG. 2 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the steamatory.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

When a person dies, many cultures place special emphasis on certain parts of the body. Native Hawaiians believe that, with respect to ancestral remains, the iwi (bones) contain mana (spiritual energy; essence) and must be given proper respect and dignity in the preparation of the body and the burial process. The mana must not be lost, i.e. it must be preserved in the bones.

Native Hawaiians have strong family values, obligations, and responsibilities. The family of the deceased has the duty and responsibility to take care of the person who has died and passed on to the next level. Depending on the position and occupation of the deceased in society, especially for those in a higher level of society, the flesh is removed from the bones. The bones are believed to contain mana (spiritual energy; essence). The energy must be preserved in the bones. The bones must be placed or buried in a safe location to ensure that they are not disturbed once placed to rest or otherwise come outside the control of the 'ohana (family).

In the burial preparation process, including removal of the flesh and tissue from the bones, the body should be handled as little as possible. Moreover, the bones must be kept moist and prevented from drying out which is believed to cause a loss of mana (spiritual energy; essence).

Referring to FIG. 1, a body processing chamber or vessel 10, also referred to as a steamatory, is shown as an embodiment of the present invention. The following elements are not necessarily drawn to scale. Chamber 12 is cylindrical in form and includes door or access panel 14 on one end. Door 14 is made of stainless steel and hinged to chamber 12. Chamber 12 is 4 feet in diameter and 10 feet long. The dimensions of the steamatory accommodates a body weight up to 400 lbs. Chamber 10 is made from stainless steel or other metal which is non-corrosive in the presence of steam and heat. Door 14 opens to an inner portion 16 of chamber 12. A tray or sliding rack 20 slides on rollers 22 into and out of inner portion 16. Tray 20 is a support structure for the body. Tray 20 is made from stainless steel in the form of a wire mesh. The mesh of tray 20 provides 0.5 inch openings. Tray 20 may include multiple layers of wire mesh, e.g. two or three separate racks, with graduating sizes of mesh openings from 0.5 inch to 0.125 inch. The racks slide in and out of inner potion 16, independently of one another, with about 2.0 inches of clearance between each rack. The steamatory is stabilized and supported by braces 24.

The body of the deceased is prepared for burial under the authority, control, supervision, care and responsibility of the 'ohana (family). The body of the deceased is disrobed and wrapped with kapa cloth made from wauke (bark of the paper mulberry tree), tissue, paper, or other degradable material, which breaks down and disintegrates in the presence of heat and steam. Door 14 is opened and tray 20 is at least partially removed or pulled from inner portion 16 of chamber 12. The body is carefully laid on tray 20. Alternatively, the disrobed body is laid on the kapa cloth, or degradable material and further covered by the same material. The family and/or religious leader conducts any appropriate final ritual over the body. Tray 20 is slid into inner portion 16 and door 14 is closed and sealed.

A plurality of steam jets or ports 30 line the interior walls of chamber 12 for injecting superheated steam into inner portion 16. A steam generator 32 receives water from water source 34 and energy from energy source 36. Energy source 36 can be electrical, propane, natural gas, or other fossil fuel. The energy is utilized by steam generator 32 to heat the water in a boiler under pressure to generate steam. The steam is routed from steam generator 32 through conduit 38 to the steamatory.

With the body of the deceased sealed inside, the steam enters inner portion 16 of chamber 12 through steam jets 30. The steam enters chamber 12 at 212° F. with a mass flow rate of 1000 lbs/hour. In the presence of the superheated steam, the kapa or other degradable material covering the body breaks down and disintegrates over a period of time. The degrading body-covering material falls through the wire mesh of tray 20 into funnel or contoured structure 40. The degrading material continues through funnel 40 into collection container 42.

In addition to the degrading body-covering material, in the presence of the superheated steam, the flesh, muscles, ligaments, organs and other soft tissue of the body of the deceased (collectively referred to as “pela”) soften and separate or detach from the bone structure. The pela falls from the body in pieces. Smaller pieces of pela fall through the wire mesh of tray 20, through funnel 40 and are collected in container 42. Larger pieces of pela may be temporarily caught by the wire mesh, but eventually disintegrate in the presence of the superheated steam and ultimately fall through to container 42. Container 42 is sized to collect the pela from a body of 400 lbs; the maximum capacity for chamber 12.

The steaming process should continue until the pela is completely removed from the body of the deceased, leaving the bones clean, with no remaining tissue or residue. The process may take 4-5 hours until all the pela is detached and removed from the body and collected in container 42. Other temperatures of steam and mass flow rates can be used in the steamatory. The length of time needed for the steaming process to detach the pela from the body depends in part on the steam temperature and mass flow rate. Container 42 is removed from the steamatory and the pela is incinerated or disposed of in a clean, safe, and non-polluting manner.

Only the bone structure of the deceased remains on tray 20. The bone structure remains intact and undisturbed from the placement of the body. The pela has been removed with minimal handling of the body. Moreover, the superheated steaming process maintains the moisture in the bone. Because the iwi (bone) contains the mana (spiritual energy; essence) of the person, the feature of maintaining a moist environment is important as it is desirable that the bone not dry out during the process. The moisture content of the steam ensures that the mana remains within the bone during the process of removing the pela from the bone.

After the pela has been removed from the bone, door 14 is opened and tray 20 slides out to permit removal of the bone structure of the deceased for burial. The family makes final arrangements for burial of the bones.

Following removal of the body from chamber 12, the steaming process can be repeated without a body in the steamatory as a self-cleaning process in preparation for the next usage.

Another embodiment of the steamatory is shown in FIG. 2. Vessel 50 is oval or egg-shaped and includes a lower portion or pan 52 and an upper portion or lid 54. Vessel 50 is made with a similar material and size requirements as described in FIG. 1. A wire-mesh tray 56 is placed inside vessel 50. Lid 54 is placed on pan 52 and sealed with clamps 58. A funnel or contoured structure 60 is integrated into pan 42 and opens into collection container 62. The steamatory is supported by cart 64 having wheels 66.

The body of the deceased is disrobed and wrapped with kapa, tissue, paper, or other degradable material, which breaks down and disintegrates in the presence of heat and steam. Lid 54 is removed to accept the body into vessel 50. The body is carefully laid on tray 56. Alternatively, the disrobed body is laid on kapa cloth, made from the specially prepared bark of the paper mulberry tree or degradable material and further covered by the same material. Lid 54 is re-installed on pan 52 and sealed with clamps 58.

A plurality of steam jets line the interior walls of vessel 50 for injecting superheated steam into the inner portion thereof. A steam generator 70 receives water from water source 72 and energy from energy source 74. The energy is utilized by steam generator 70 to heat the water in a boiler under pressure to generate steam. The steam is routed from steam generator 70 through conduit 76 to the steamatory.

With the body of the deceased sealed inside, the steam enters the inner portion of vessel 50 through the steam jets. In the presence of the superheated steam, the kapa and/or degradable material covering the body breaks down and disintegrates. The degrading body-covering material falls through the wire mesh of tray 56 into funnel 60. The degrading material continues through funnel 60 into collection container 62. In addition to the degrading body-covering material, in the presence of the superheated steam, the pela softens, separates and detaches from the bone structure. The pela falls from the body in pieces and is collected in container 62.

After the pela is detached and removed from the body of the deceased, vessel 50 is opened and the bone structure of the deceased is removed from tray 56 for burial. The family makes final arrangements for burial of the bones. Again, the pela has been removed with minimal handling of the body. Moreover, the superheated steaming process maintains the moisture in the bone. The mana is preserved in the bone structure in accordance with cultural belief. Container 62 is removed from the steamatory and the pela is incinerated or disposed of in a clean, safe, and non-polluting manner. The steamatory is cleaned in preparation for the next usage.

A person skilled in this practice will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail, and equivalents may be substituted for elements of the invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The present description is therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being determined by the following claims and their equivalents as supported by the above disclosure and drawings. 

1. A steamatory for preparing a body for burial, comprising: a chamber having an access panel; a tray at least partially removable from the chamber through the access panel; a plurality of steam ports disposed within the chamber; and a steam generator for providing steam to the plurality of steam ports within the chamber, wherein the steam injected into the chamber causes tissue of the body to separate from bone structure.
 2. The steamatory of claim 1 wherein the tray includes multiple stacked trays.
 3. The steamatory of claim 2 wherein the tray is made with a wire mesh having openings through which the tissue of body falls after separation from the bone structure.
 4. The steamatory of claim 3 further including: a funnel portion of the chamber for channeling the tissue after falling through the wire mesh of the tray; and a container coupled to the funnel portion for collecting the tissue of the body.
 5. The steamatory of claim 1 wherein the steam injected into the chamber maintains moisture content of the bone structure.
 6. An apparatus for preparing a body for burial, comprising: a vessel adapted for accepting the body; a support structure disposed within the vessel for supporting the body; and a plurality of steam ports disposed within the vessel, wherein steam injected into the vessel causes tissue of the body to separate from bone structure.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 further including a steam generator for providing steam to the plurality of steam ports within the vessel.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6 further including an access panel coupled to the vessel for opening the vessel to accept the body.
 9. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the vessel includes: a pan; and a lid detachable from the pan for opening the vessel to accept the body.
 10. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the support structure includes a tray which is partially removable from the vessel.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the support structure includes multiple stacked trays.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the tray is made with a wire mesh having openings through which the tissue of body falls after separation from the bone structure.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12 further including: a funnel portion of the vessel for channeling the tissue after falling through the wire mesh of the tray; and a container coupled to the funnel portion for collecting the tissue of the body.
 14. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the steam injected into the vessel maintains moisture content of the bone structure.
 15. A method of preparing a body for burial, comprising: providing a vessel adapted for accepting the body; placing the body on a support structure disposed within the vessel; and injecting steam through a plurality of steam ports disposed within the vessel to cause tissue of the body to separate from bone structure.
 16. The method of claim 15 further including the steps of: generating steam; and routing the steam to the plurality of steam ports within the vessel.
 17. The method of claim 15 wherein the support structure includes a tray which is partially removable from the vessel.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the tray is made with a wire mesh having openings through which the tissue of body falls after separation from the bone structure.
 19. The method of claim 18 further including the steps of: channeling the tissue through a funnel after falling through the wire mesh of the tray; and collecting the tissue of the body in a container.
 20. The method of claim 15 wherein the steam injected into the vessel maintains moisture content of the bone structure. 